Opposition Adopts a Softer Line

[geovalin]

After forceful, at times threatening, responses from the government, the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) has decided to scale back its efforts to join the Black Monday campaign and hold daily press briefings. During a press conference on Saturday, CNRP spokesman Yim Sovann said the party had no plans to help organize rallies for the Black Monday campaign, which hopes to secure the release of human rights workers  and political activists detained by the government this year.
 

The government has responded violently to the protests, arresting dozens of people and calling it an attempt to start a revolution in the Kingdom, despite the protests’ stated goals. Phnom Penh City Hall threatened legal action against the opposition party last week after CNRP official Eng Chhay Eang said last  Monday the party would join the Black Monday protests and hold organizational meetings at their offices.
 

On Friday, City Hall sent a letter telling the CNRP to stop any activities related to the campaign or face potential legal action. In the letter, City Hall claimed the CNRP was trying to incite “citizens and NGO workers” to gather and protest, which they said would “cause disorder and is contrary to the guidelines of the Interior Ministry and the government.”

 

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